98
AFTER A READING.
Deep, grave and sedate is the gaze of expectant intensity
bent for awhile
And absorbed on its aim as the tale that enthralls him
uncovers the weft of its wile,
Till the goal of attention is touched, and expectancy
kisses delight in a smile.
And it seems to us here that in Paradise hardly the spirit
of Lamb or of Blake
May hear or behold aught sweeter than lightens and rings
when his bright thoughts break
In laughter that well might lure them to look, and to
smile as of old for his sake.
